International STI Conclave on ‘Traditional Knowledge for Sustainable Livelihoods’ Kicks Off

Dr. Srinivasa Reddy from CSIR-IICT spoke about the integration of traditional medicines with modern scientific interventions as a means to improve healthcare.

The International Science, Technology, and Innovation Centre for South-South Cooperation (ISTIC), under UNESCO's auspices, is hosting a significant STI Conclave titled "Traditional Knowledge for Sustainable Livelihoods" from July 29-31, 2024, in New Delhi, India. The event is organized in collaboration with the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and its units, including the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library Unit (CSIR-TKDL Unit) and the CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT).

Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Director General of CSIR and Secretary of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), inaugurated the Conclave. The event also saw the participation of Dr. D. Srinivasa Reddy, Director of CSIR-IICT, and Dr. Benno Boer, UNESCO Natural Science Specialist in New Delhi. The opening plenary talk was delivered by Prof. Anant Darshan Shankar, Founder and Vice Chancellor of the Trans-Disciplinary University (TDU), Bengaluru.

Over the three days, the Conclave features presentations from renowned experts in India on topics including biodiversity, traditional cultural expressions, integrative health, national and international policies on traditional knowledge (TK), intellectual property rights (IPR), and South-South Cooperation. Key figures from ISTIC-UNESCO, including Prof. Mohd Basyaruddin Abdul Rahman, Chairperson of the Governing Council, and Dr. Sharizad Dahlan, Director, are leading the event. From CSIR, Dr. Viswajanani J. Sattigeri, Head of the CSIR-TKDL Unit, and Dr. D. Shailaja, Chief Scientist at CSIR-IICT, are overseeing the organization of the Conclave.

In her opening remarks, Dr. Kalaiselvi emphasized the Conclave’s focus on sustainability, noting that the event aims to raise awareness among youth about the value of traditional knowledge and practices. She highlighted the importance of integrating traditional knowledge with modern science and technology to address contemporary challenges.

Dr. Srinivasa Reddy from CSIR-IICT spoke about the integration of traditional medicines with modern scientific interventions as a means to improve healthcare. Dr. Benno Boer from UNESCO discussed the importance of sustainability through education, science, and culture. He stressed the need for harmony with nature to achieve sustainable living and highlighted UNESCO's platforms for biodiversity and local knowledge systems.

The Conclave aims to enhance understanding and capabilities in digitizing, preserving, and protecting traditional knowledge, intellectual property, and people’s rights. Participants from Indonesia, the Philippines, Nepal, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Malaysia, and India are engaging in discussions on challenges and best practices related to traditional knowledge. The event seeks to foster collaborative learning and expand partnerships to address development challenges and promote sustainable living through local knowledge systems.